Exemplars in Long-Term Care During COVID-19: the Importance of Leadership

Early in the pandemic, many long-term care (LTC) homes struggled to manage resources and care for vulnerable residents. Using an appreciative inquiry approach, we analyzed exemplar homes in Ontario that remained free of COVID-19 in wave one and interviewed executive directors, directors of care and staff. Findings demonstrate the importance of leadership styles; clear, consistent communication; focusing on staff and resident safety; using a team-based approach; and adapting staff roles to meet care needs. The exemplar homes showed what works in practice. The decisions and approaches that they implemented could be used to develop standards to improve LTC and strengthen the sector.